Essential Safety Tips for E-Scooter Riders

Electric scooters offer a convenient way to navigate Prague's streets, but they also come with real risks. Statistics from Prague show significantly higher accident rates for e-scooters compared to bicycles, with 47 recorded incidents in a recent year versus just 2 for shared bikes. This guide provides practical safety advice to help you ride confidently and avoid becoming part of those statistics.

Before You Ride: Essential Preparations

Protective Gear

While helmets are only legally required for riders under 18 in Czech Republic, we strongly recommend wearing one regardless of age. Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of e-scooter accidents, and a helmet significantly reduces this risk.

Consider these protective items:

• Helmet: A properly fitted bicycle or skateboard helmet provides essential head protection
• Gloves: Protect your hands in case of a fall - instinctively reaching out is a natural reaction
• Closed-toe shoes: Sandals and flip-flops offer no protection and poor grip
• Reflective clothing: Essential for visibility, especially during evening rides
• Knee and elbow pads: Consider for beginners or those riding in challenging conditions

Pre-Ride Checks

Before each ride, take a moment to verify your scooter is in safe operating condition:

• Battery level: Ensure sufficient charge for your planned journey
• Brakes: Test both brakes before entering traffic
• Tires: Check for proper inflation and visible damage
• Lights: Verify front and rear lights work, especially for evening rides
• Folding mechanism: Ensure it is securely locked in the open position
• Handlebars: Confirm they are tight and properly aligned

Riding Techniques for Prague Streets

Starting and Stopping

Many accidents occur during the first moments of a ride or while braking. Follow these practices:

• Start with one foot on the ground, pushing off gently before engaging the throttle
• Avoid sudden acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces
• When stopping, gradually reduce speed rather than grabbing the brake
• Use both brakes together for controlled stopping
• Keep your weight centered over the deck, slightly bent knees for stability

Navigating Prague's Cobblestones

Prague's historic streets feature extensive cobblestone surfaces that present unique challenges for e-scooter riders. Here is how to handle them safely:

• Reduce speed: Slow down significantly before reaching cobblestones
• Loosen your grip: Allow the handlebars to absorb some vibration
• Bend your knees: Use your legs as natural shock absorbers
• Avoid wet cobblestones: They become extremely slippery when wet
• Watch for gaps: Larger spaces between stones can catch small wheels
• Consider walking: In heavily cobbled areas, walking your scooter may be safer

Traffic Integration

E-scooter riders in Czech Republic must follow the same rules as cyclists. This means integrating with traffic in specific ways:

• Ride in designated cycle lanes when available
• When on the road, stay to the right side but avoid the gutter where debris collects
• Use hand signals to indicate turns - left arm extended for left, right arm extended for right
• Make eye contact with drivers at intersections to ensure they see you
• Never ride in pedestrian zones or on sidewalks (except children under 10)
• Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks

Weather Considerations

Czech weather can change quickly, and conditions significantly affect e-scooter safety:

Rain and Wet Conditions

• Braking distances increase dramatically on wet surfaces
• Painted road markings, metal surfaces, and wet leaves become extremely slippery
• Visibility is reduced - both yours and drivers' ability to see you
• Many e-scooters are not fully waterproof - check your model's IP rating
• Consider postponing your ride if conditions are severe

Winter Riding

While some riders continue through winter, conditions in Prague can make e-scooter riding inadvisable from November through March:

• Ice is virtually impossible to see and impossible to ride on safely
• Cold temperatures significantly reduce battery performance and range
• Reduced daylight hours increase the importance of proper lighting
• Salt and grit used on roads can damage your scooter's components

Common Hazards in Prague

Being aware of typical hazards helps you anticipate and avoid problems:

Night Riding Safety

Riding after dark requires additional precautions:

• Lights are mandatory: Czech law requires front white light and rear red light
• Wear reflective gear: High-visibility clothing significantly increases your visibility to drivers
• Reduce speed: Your ability to see and react to hazards is diminished
• Stick to well-lit routes: Avoid poorly lit areas where hazards are harder to spot
• Be extra cautious at intersections: Drivers may not see you approaching

What to Do After an Accident

If you are involved in an accident, take these steps:

1. Check for injuries: Assess yourself and others involved
2. Move to safety: If possible, move out of traffic
3. Call emergency services: Dial 155 (ambulance) or 158 (police) if needed
4. Document the scene: Take photos of damage, the location, and any contributing factors
5. Exchange information: Get contact and insurance details from other parties involved
6. Report to insurance: If you have e-scooter insurance, notify them promptly
7. Seek medical attention: Some injuries may not be immediately apparent

Riding Responsibly

Being a responsible rider benefits everyone and helps maintain positive attitudes toward e-scooter users:

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol - Czech law prohibits any amount
• Do not use headphones or earbuds while riding - you need to hear traffic
• Avoid phone use while riding - if you must use GPS, set it before starting
• Park considerately - never block sidewalks, entrances, or accessibility features
• Be patient with pedestrians - they have right of way
• Set a good example - responsible riding improves perception of all e-scooter users